HIV infections among African American men have been a growing national problem since the early 1990s. According to the CDC, in the United States, more than 1 million people live with HIV. 48 percent are African American men. It is estimated that approximately one million people in the United States will be diagnosed with HIV in the coming year, with the lifetime risk of becoming infected being 1 in 16 for black men (CDC, 2007). There is growing concern about the disproportionate increase in the number of HIV cases. HIV among African American men aged 13 to 19 years with low socioeconomic demographics ( ). Although poverty is a major contributor to the African American epidemic; The main risk factors and root of the problem contributing to this increase are unprotected sex between heterosexuals and between men. The majority of these African American adolescents believe that they feel safe and have a long life ahead of them. The inability to use condoms is a major contributing factor to the African American population in the community. During the first two years of high school, peer influence may put these African American adolescents at high risk for engaging in unprotected sex. Unprotected sex is an issue that has concerned health educators for many years. Faced with this problem, a health educator needs an intervention strategy that goes beyond education to increase condom use. However, these African American men are fully aware of the seriousness of the infection; there is a need to address the barriers that prevent them from using condoms during sex. According to the National Institute of Health, 2007, consistent use of condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 87 to 95 percent. Healthy People 2010 Objective 25-11...... middle of paper ......age in small steps is what is desired among these students. This can be done by using a model and demonstrating condom use and removal in simple, progressive steps by a health educator, preferably of African American descent. Additionally, using an African American model such as an NBA or NFL player who demonstrates condom use behavior is a good technique. To use positive reinforcement, a health educator might identify an instance where the participant changes a negative behavior to a positive one. Behavior change is influenced by expectations, a participant will wear a condom because they are expected to protect themselves from HIV. These behavioral interventions with these African American men can help them focus on condom use by continuing to provide accurate information and condom use skills..